Ron Laidlaw: Alex Burgon - Gallipoli
Thu, Feb 13th 2014 at 12:00 am - 12:00 am
Weekly meeting with guest speaker
Several guests attended last week's meeting of the Rotary Club. While the members met upstairs the ladies held their dinner downstairs. President Scott Elliot welcomed Tom Holmes, Brian Beattie, Tom Riddell and Haig Martin. He introduced the speaker Alec Burgon who gave an illustrated talk on 'Gallipoli - the bloody peninsula' and the campaign that was fought there when Britain invaded Turkey who were assisted by their allies the Germans. He described it as Churchill's - the First Lord of the Admiralty - worst hour and it affected him for the rest of his life. It was an unmitigated disaster from beginning to end and both sides paid a heavy price. It took place during the summer of 1915 during the Great War and was fought at a time when things were not going well for Britain in the European War. The campaign was badly led by incompetent Generals and leaders and nothing went to plan. The conditions were deplorable and the naval attack was made through the Dardanelles which was easy to defend and nearly impossible to land infantry numbers. Over 1 million men were involved and casualties on both sides were horrendous, 40,000 Brits and 86,000 Turks succumbed in the fighting. The local K.O.S.B. took part and were particularly badly affected. It all ended badly and after a few months 100,000 British soldiers had to evacuated. Alec said it did, indeed, turn out not to be Britain's finest hour. Among his many world travels he has visited the area of the battles. Hawick Callants Club later erected a plaque opposite the Horse and on each 12th July a ceremony is held there to commemorate the event and remember the K.O.S.B. men who gave their lives. After questions Past President Ron Laidlaw gave the club's vote of thanks for a remarkable and sobering talk.
The recent film night raised
'What We Do' Main Pages:
A summary of Hawick Rotary's work with the community during 2020, despite the problems of Coronavirus and Lockdowns
more
Hawick Rotary Club has been able to obtain funding for the restoration of the village's Polysport facility after it was inundated by floodwater
moreSome info on the entertaining activities we get up to!
moreThis Committee focuses on international aid and projects
moreOur Vocational & Community Committee concentrates on supporting local community groups and on youth activities, often in collaboration with Hawick High School and with Primary Schools in the town.
moreEnquiries regarding membership are always welcomed and should be e-mailed to secretary@hawickrotary.com
more